What our Lexington Irish dance classes can teach your student

What our Lexington Irish dance classes can teach your student

Bluegrass Ceili Academy, Community, Irish Dance Classes in Lexington
October is National Arts and Humanities Month and a great time to look at what the arts, such as our Lexington Irish dance classes, can teach your student – whether that’s something as simple as a dance step or a broader life lesson. First, the research. According to the Americans for the Arts: Students involved with the arts are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement and three times more likely to be awarded for school attendance. High school students who take four years of arts and music classes average almost 100 points higher on their SAT scores than students who take only one-half year or less. Low-income students who are highly engaged in the arts are twice as likely to graduate collegeas their peers with no arts…
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Irish dance in Lexington: Traditions, history give growth to new community

Irish dance in Lexington: Traditions, history give growth to new community

Bluegrass Ceili Academy, Instruction, Irish Dance Classes in Lexington
When I talk about what I want Bluegrass Ceili Academy's role in Irish dance in Lexington to be, you'll hear me describe our goal of being a community-based cultural arts resource for Central Kentucky.  It's that perspective that we want to share with our dancers, families and supporters. We're just days away from the start of our second full year of classes at Artworks at the Carver School and we couldn't be more excited to welcome both our new and returning students. But before the new year begins, I wanted to share with you more about what Bluegrass Ceili Academy is, where we came from and our mission in being a vital part of the community. The legacy of Peggy O'Neill [caption id="attachment_945" align="alignright" width="234"] Peggy O'Neill. Photo courtesy of…
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Last chance: Support scholarships for cultural arts classes in Lexington

Last chance: Support scholarships for cultural arts classes in Lexington

Bluegrass Ceili Academy, Community
Perspective. Experience. Community. Mission.  Not only is that what matters, but it’s why our Irish dance school has stepped up to support scholarships for cultural arts classes in Lexington.  In July, we partnered with the 2017 Kentucky Rose of Tralee to host a fundraiser for Artworks at the Carver School.  All funds raised are being  to provide need- and merit-based scholarships for children and adults who take cultural arts classes through Lexington Parks and Recreation’s programs at Artworks. Before our school year begins in September, you have one last chance to support our scholarships for these cultural arts classes in Lexington. Why are we doing this? Because, for us, it’s about community. Our Lexington Irish dance school was welcomed into the Artworks program last year, along with other cultural arts classes such as karate…
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7 reasons to take Bluegrass Ceili’s Irish dance classes in Lexington

7 reasons to take Bluegrass Ceili’s Irish dance classes in Lexington

Bluegrass Ceili Academy, Instruction, Irish Dance Classes in Lexington
You've always wanted to try something new and different -- for yourself or your child.  Maybe you danced as a child and now you miss the music and the fun...either way, NOW is the time to sign up for Irish dance classes in Lexington with Bluegrass Ceili Academy! Click here to register through Lexington Parks & Rec now! Our Irish dance classes for both children and adults focus on few things: fun, friendship, art and sport. Here are 7 reasons you'll want to join us! 1. Irish dance gets you moving! Our classes are a great way to get some exercise every week.  We'll warm up with stretches and then work on dance basics -- foot placement, turnout, movement -- and work our way up to choreography.  Don't worry if you…
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Support local cultural arts classes in Lexington this Saturday, July 22

Support local cultural arts classes in Lexington this Saturday, July 22

Community, Local Events
We're so excited to join with the 2017 Kentucky Rose of Tralee to raise scholarships for cultural arts classes in Lexington, and we're hoping you'll join us this Saturday, July 22 for our event. You'll have the chance to learn a little Irish dance, and bid on some great silent auction items and raffle prizes.  We're thrilled that so many community partners have joined us in supporting cultural arts classes in Lexington by making donations.  Here's what you have a chance to take home with you: [caption id="attachment_860" align="alignright" width="244"] Some of the donations from our great community partners to support scholarships at Artworks.[/caption] Door Prize Raffle Basket - Raffle Tickets: $1 each, 6 for $5 15 for $10: Our door prize basket is valued at $140 and includes a yummy "bundtlet tower" from Nothing…
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A year of firsts for our community-based Lexington Irish dance school

A year of firsts for our community-based Lexington Irish dance school

Bluegrass Ceili Academy, Instruction, Irish Dance Classes in Lexington
With our Spring Recital in the books, we have wrapped up the first year since we've opened our doors as a Lexington Irish dance school and joined a thriving local community. And what a year it's been!  We thought it might be fun to take a look back at some of our major milestones! April 2016 [caption id="attachment_451" align="alignleft" width="300"] A small but enthusiastic group at our very first free class![/caption] On April 13, we taught our first class in Lexington...in a bar. That's right! Thanks to our friends at McCarthy's Irish bar downtown, we've offered a number of free Irish dance classes to the community at the Spiders Well.  You can read more about that here or here. On April 24, dancers from four schools joined together for an afternoon…
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Marking milestones with Irish dance in Lexington, KY

Marking milestones with Irish dance in Lexington, KY

Bluegrass Ceili Academy, Community, Irish Dance Classes in Lexington
This week, as we wrap up our first class season for Irish dance in Lexington, KY, we take a look at some of the milestones we've reached. Our 2016-2017 class year comes to a close on Monday, but we've already got big plans for the summer and for our next class year! This past weekend, our dancers took the stage at Kite Fest, sponsored by Lexington Parks and Recreation.  We are proud partners of Parks and Rec -- you can find our classes for Irish dance in Lexington, KY at Artworks at the Carver School, Lexington's cultural arts center. On Mondays from late September through December and January through April, we've welcomed children and adults into our studio. Starting a new school has been an adventure.  When I started Irish…
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Movies & music night: Bluegrass Ceili Academy celebrates Project Children

Movies & music night: Bluegrass Ceili Academy celebrates Project Children

Local Events
Bluegrass Ceili Academy is proud to be a local sponsor of the Kentucky premiere of an award-winning documentary. We're proud to join Failte Irish Shop, the Bluegrass Irish Society and the local event coordinators in bringing to you an evening of exceptional Irish entertainment at the Farish Theater in the downtown Library on Friday, March 10 and Saturday, March 11. Join us for a screening of "How to Defuse a Bomb: The Project Children Story” and a performance by Gypsy's Wish with Irish folk musicians Declán Mac Giolla Cheara and Andrew John Toman. The screening and concert coincide with Lexington St. Patrick's Parade and Festival in downtown Lexington on March 11. Join Bluegrass Ceili Academy for a night of movies and music "How to Defuse a Bomb" looks back at the…
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Bluegrass Ceili Academy brings “Something Irish” to the stage

Bluegrass Ceili Academy brings “Something Irish” to the stage

Bluegrass Ceili Academy, Community, Local Events
  When I left Lexington in 1995 to head to Washington, D.C., I left behind friends and my work in the local theatre community here. In D.C., I stopped acting and started dancing. On St. Patrick's Day this year, I get to go back to my theatre roots and I couldn't be more excited. Bluegrass Ceili Academy will be joining Woodford Theatre this March 17 and we are inviting our community to celebrate the day with "Something Irish." Explore Irish dance, music and language and meet the folks behind Translations, by Irish playwright Brian Friel, which opens March 24. [caption id="attachment_694" align="alignleft" width="291"] Click on the image to see a larger version.[/caption] It's an evening full of Irish arts and culture! 6 p.m. - Social Irish dancing with Bluegrass Ceili Academy…
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Irish dance classes in Lexington begin this January!

Irish dance classes in Lexington begin this January!

Instruction, Irish Dance Classes in Lexington
Our newest session of Irish dance classes in Lexington is about to get underway -- and registration is still open for both children and adults. Want to take weekly classes?  Register through Lexington Parks & Recreation for our super fun, super affordable spring session at Artworks at the Carver School. Haven't danced before? No previous experience necessary, however students with previous dance or Irish dance experience are welcome to join! Beginning January 30, sign up for our 6 p.m. Children’s Irish Dance class or our 7 p.m. Adult Irish Dance class. Registration is open now — look for our classes under “Cultural Arts” on the Parks & Rec website. Want to try our free monthly classes? As a way to give back to our community, we offer free Irish dance classes in…
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